Weekly Update

Hey what is up hello! I kind of already did one of these this week, BUT I NEEDED TO UPDATE. Number 1 (because bike update is the big news) so this is my favorite story ever. My grandpa when he was in WWII, he wrote my grandma a letter saying he was eating Spam for Christmas Eve and whenever he eats spam it reminds him of my grandma. And my grandma was always like, "Why do I remind you of spam" 

I have loved that story so much my whole life and I always thought it was so funny. (Also side note I can not believe people could not facetime/ see their significant other for months and months back then") This year on Christmas Eve, I was talking to my mom, and I was eating (THIS)  Which I love these, if you ever want to send me a care package, this is literally the only thing I want. My mom got all upset and she was like "I can not believe we make our troops eat canned chicken for Christmas eve dinner!" And I was laughing so hard, because I LOVE those so much and I had lobster for Christmas lunch. 

ANYWAYS, why you really came here. I FEEL PERSONALLY VICTIMIZED by the new bike rule on post and the new bike rule was put on post because of me (and maybe my blog post about how happy I am) That being said, I turned my bike in for my monthly inspection, and when I signed the rules there was a new one added to the list. Guess what that new rule was... YOU HAVE TO PARK YOUR BIKE AT THE BIKE RACK NOW. I feel every feeling about this. I want to know why one bike had such an impact on this post. Also the one time I had my bike stolen was when I parked it at a bike rack. There we go. 

2018 Travel

I was going to put this in my lifestyle post, but it got so long, so I thought I would put this in its own post!

Jan// Kansas City! I have no photos but I went for work and never been before. Also Alex was not going to come, but I could only handle being a bachelorette for one night, and he came and we got to explore the city! 

Feb// Denver- This was such a relaxing trip. We went for a long weekend, and we had such a fun day skiing two days in a row. And hang out in the hot tub, drinking red wine, and looking at the mountains. and pf course skiing!

March// Wisconsin for a work conference (never been). Missouri instead of Las Vegas. Because who would not want to spend a week in Vegas with your favorite people. (This is the month where stress started getting pretty bad, I might be blaming it on not being home at all haha)

April// Michigan- Went back to the old stomping grounds for Easter! It was great to be back and I forgot how much I miss Michigan.

Omaha- This was the month distance started, which when we were in the states it was not too bad, it was actually fun going on "Vacations" all the time. 

Dallas- For work. I literally spent an evening in Omaha and turned around had 30 minutes to pack and head to Dallas. Trust me Dallas was the last place in the world I wanted to be. BUT I got to go and see my old childhood home and eat dinner at the best Mexican food in the world. 

May// Seattle- Alex was going to a different clerkship every single month. Seattle was so fun to go to. We did not do the tourist stuff, but stayed in the burbs and it was so much more fun than our trip (last year).

El Paso- Again for work. I did get to see my best friend from which was awesome! 

June// Michigan- I went home for a long weekend and I really needed this weekend. I last minute decided to come home. My dad talked me into going. I did not realize how much I missed being home and being with my family. 

Buffalo- (You can see why I hate traveling now) 

Twin Cities- Again to see Alex. (For the record Alex came to see me a lot too, but it was in Des Moines haha!) This was my second time in the twin cities, it was actually a lot of fun to go to the sculpture garden. That was my favorite part. There was also this super cute cider brewery #GlutenFree and a lot of them tasted like a real brews, which I loved. 

July// I move out of Des moines and go to army training in Des Moines! This got changed super super last minute. It was suppose to be in Wisconsin, and I packed up all of my stuff and was ready to roll and I get an email saying Just kidding. I moved my stuff back to Michigan AND Headed back to Des Moines/Missouri 

Kentucky- A was in Kentucky for the next two months. We had so much fun in here. We went to Mammoth Caves which was perfect for the summer because the caves temperature wise are so cool. We rented a little cabin by the lake (I would highly suggest not staying at the park there are a lot better options a little bit farther away.) And of course we stayed in Louisville. The city is so cute, and we loved going doing all the touristy things.

August// This was the last month before all the fun started. The last trip was to Nashville. Which we were not able to make it to Las Vegas this year, but this was a close second. We went out the town and really just enjoyed the last trip of the year!

September// Back in El Paso, essentially just got ready to go. I got 4 days off before I left and I got to hang out with my parents and Alex came down before the final count down!

October// I have been in Doha since! You can check out my weekend (here) 

So I am 500 shades of done with Traveling at this point, and when I get back in 2019 I never want to travel ever again. 

2018 Fashion Favorites

Hey what is up hello! Fashion was at an all time simple this year. I will not ever go into too much detail, but here were my faves:

Military Jacket// If you live in the midwest you know how amazing this piece is. You can throw this on with leggings, jeans, or work pants. All of which it matches amazing!

Plaid// As every year goes this is a preppy essential. You can layer this under any sweater or coat, or pair this with anything.

Backpack// I love something that I can put my laptop or tablet in. Seriously I do not know how to just sit there and enjoy life, so a backpack can hold everything and look super cute!

OTK Boots// I love these because this makes every single outfit look even more put together.

Levi Jeans// So stretchy and so comfy. This look is professional and put together all while being comfy and casual.

Chunky Sweaters// I love a good turtle neck sweater. Anything that is conservative you can wear to work or at a cozy night in, and that is all I ask for in my clothes.

Black Jumpsuit// If you live in the midwest, there are a lot of moments where you are like "Do we dress up... OR do we dress super super casual." A black jumpsuit is the look for you.

Black booties// Pair this with black pant/jean/leggings. It will make your legs look so long, and will make you look so trendy.

Last thing!// Jacks are literally the best shoes for your casual summer look. It makes you look so put together and so preppy. I wore these with every outfit this summer.

Top Blog Post from the year

Hey what is up hello! So We are wrapping up the year and I want to reshare some of my favorite post from the year. I am not even kidding I forgot about some of these post. It is fun to rewind and see some things that are actually still relevant! 

BLOGGER LIFE: THE ALGORITHM:

NATURAL DEODORANT REVIEWS: 

5 MINUTE MAKEUP CHALLENGE- TINDER AMBASSADOR: 

STRAPLESS DRESS ARM WORKOUT: 

TIPS FOR MOVING:

ROSE AND THORN:

2018 Beauty Favorites

Hey what is up hello! I have always loved make up but this year I put in a couple of extra steps and spent a little bit more time creating some fun new looks! Here is my wrap up from the year!

J.Hill Palette// I honestly bought this palette because I liked 1 pink color, and have been obsessed with the palette ever since. I wore this alllll summer long and not only are the colors perfect, the formula is hot fire flames.

Primer// I started using face primer this year, and this glues your makeup on your face for the day.

Wet N Wild Highlighter// I have been sleeping on wet n wild, however their highlighter is the best thing that was added to make routine. It is so pigmented and even for beginners this is easy to use.

Tarte Mascara// I was using (this)  mascara at the beginning of the year and I was like there is no way anything can top it! That being said I got this tarte mascara in something I ordered from tarte and I will NEVER go back. The other one has fibers that messed with my eyes, but this does not have it and gets the same effect.

Face Powder// Oh my gosh if you want to make your skin look like velvet, dust this over your full face before setting powder and will look like you got your make up done by a professional!

Timeline of a Deployment Christmas:

Hey what is up hello! I thought this would be fun to share, so I am deployed to the middle east right now with the army. It really is not too bad, but I do  miss my family and Alex. One thing for sure, is that the holidays this year was way different.

I will not get into the details, but my job is 24 hour operations (I would say similar to a hospital), so someone always has to be in the office in case something happens, or someone needs a resource to get the answers. I am what I would call a "manager" on the normal work world. A lot of my coworkers were going to go out to a nice dinner, and I opted in to work Christmas so my team could enjoy the holiday.

Which was no big deal, so I got to celebrate on the 24th! Here is what my day looked like. (Also I work evenings hence why the timeline is a little weird) 

2:00pm: I wake up and realize I miss lunch. Normally I would skip this meal, and have a piece of fruit for breakfast. (Because my work schedule is different I do intermittent fasting, which I can nawt do with a normal schedule) BUT today is a treat yo self day. I go to the "pub" and grab some chicken wings. 

2:30pm: I get back I eat my chicken wings, I make coffee like I do every morning. My mom gave me a single serving fancy coffee set. I had that and enjoyed my morning. I clean my room, start my laundry. 

3:30pm: I call Alex, and he is working a on rocket (Yes the kind you make when you are in 7th grade haha) and he and his fam were working on a corn hole piece. We just checked in, and we went on with our holiday.

3:30pm: I start a face mask! I have never done a chemical exfoliate, and it was really nice. It burns a tiny bit, but after my face felt so smooth. The mask was a red pink shade and I sent a snap to my fam and friends. Alex called me extremely concerned and wondered if I was having an allergic reaction. I was not it was just the color of my mask. 

4:00pm: I called my parents. We all drank coffee together and it is always fun to chat with my mom and dad. (I opened their gifts a while back) 

5:00pm: My friend decided to watch some human trafficking documentary, so he was sad about that, so we grabbed dinner. I had shepherds pie and fries because, treat yo self. 

6:00pm: I do Christmas with Alex! I go him this, an army bucket hat, a shirt with my unit on it, a year membership to anytime fitness, AND A SURPRISE that we will talk about later. 

Alex's family sent me some super nice gifts, and Alex got me a digital frame with a ton of our photos from the years. It was honestly so sweet, because I have it in my room and I am always reminded of all of our fun times! It was good celebrating together, and makes me even more excited for next year to celebrate together. 

7:00pm: I go to the pub with some friends and grab my three brews for the night. I just chat with everyone and just enjoy the evening. 

9:00pm: Alex called again, we literally talked for 5 minutes. He got my letter that I sent his for Christmas, and it was nice checking in with him before his whole family came over to his house. 

9:30pm: I finished my laundry and realized I was STARVING. I go and order stir fried rice because, treat yo self. I go back to my room and A sends me a photos of his rocket (remember that) and he sent  me some videos of him launching it. All so extremely exciting;)

10:00pm: I put on my christmas Pjs my mom sent me, and I go to bed.

Fitness Friend Gift Guide

Hey what is up hello! I do not know why I say that at the beginning of every single post. It is from a Fetty Wap song. Which I know I am dating myself. I was at military training going into my senior year of college. A little unknown fact about military post. Your phone barely works without wifi. I had downloaded songs on spotify, but I had zero point zero service and only two song for all of my friends worked the whole time I was there. One of my friends had Fetty Wap's new album and another had 1 song from Beyonce: XO. So the whole time I was in Kentucky those were the only songs anyone could listen to, and I am not kidding when I say that song is forever engraved into my brain. 

So here we go, this is the LAST gift guide. Because personally I hate gift guides. The only gift guides I even look at are: last minute and guy gift guides. So here we are gifts for your fitness friend. Which to be honest, you could go to the Target fitness section because it is never picked over and there you go. However here are some good ideas for your fitness friend (FF).

Weekly Update- If You Are Not 3rd You Are Last

Hey what is up hello! So I know why we are all here, for an update on my bike. So there are no rules on where you have to park your bike. In fact I asked, and I was told I can park my bike anywhere. I took that to heart. When I go to work I pretty much park right by the door, place my helmet on the ground and go to work. No big deal. 

And when I go to my living space I park at the bike rack and put my helmet on the ground, however if I am just running in I park it on the wall by the door. Again, no rules on where you can and can not park your bike. (I mean do not park it in front of doors duh.) I want to say I am on the younger side of the people here. People will go out of their way to pick up my helmet and balance it on my bike seat. (I honestly do not know how they do it. And I am not even kidding I pretty much hide my bike, and people will go out of their way to put my bike in the bike rack. I have a theory that these are dads who miss yelling at their kids to put their bikes away, and that is why they go out of the way to do it haha. 

Anyways. we had our winter ball this past week. I last minute decided to cancel and even more last minute (20 minutes until the bus left) that I was going to attend. I had wet hair and all, but it was fun. Am I glad I went? Eh. Am I disappointed I went? No. It was fun. I took zero pictures. The food was amazing. They had seared steak. Which I literally am in love with. In Paris I accidentally ordered it and I have been in love ever since.  Anyways, it was a good time. (Also the caption: I am part of 3rd Army, which is my higher higher higher, and has a ton of history, and everyone makes jokes of the name)

So Satisfying// I do not know why but I could not stop watching this. I love how artistic this was. 

Turtle Neck Pull Over// I wear one of these almost every single day. I would not say I am modest, but I would say I am most comfortable being covered up. 

My Favorite Boutique// I have loved the Red Dress Boutique since college, and I have gotten so many dresses for events from them. They were on shark tank, and I have been following their story since they were on. This is the owners reaction to it. ALSO their model is on the new season of The Bachelor.

I started Fitness Videos// Do not get me started on how much I hate videography. Sometimes I laugh because I am probably the influencer with the most content and the least amount of views. I am really just teaching myself on this blog BECAUSE I am launching something new next year!

I can not stop laughing at this 

Does anyone else have a million weddings to go to next year?// I love this dress so much and the color just pops!

New Years Eve Dress Ideas

Hey what is up hello! That being said lets move on to a new topic. Lets get ourselves a new years eve dress! New years eve is probably my second favorite holiday. I love thanksgiving due to hanging out with the fam and eating all day long. 

New Years eve for me is either AH MAZ ING, or just sad and nothing happens. The years that are so great, there is so much effort put into making it fun, which it almost feels like forced fun! Last year though was super fun, and all we did was stay in (it was -17 degrees outside and burned to be out there for even a minute) We were going to get a fancy dinner and grab cocktails downtown (Team lets stop clubs 2019) Last minute we stayed in and had jalapeno margaritas and it was the best night ever. 

Also I am nawt a pink fan what so ever ("Uh, Bridgette, look at your profile picture") But I am loving a statement pink dress for the new year! I am usually a black person, but when else can you wear a sequin bold colored romper?

Happy Birthday Mom!

Hey what is up hello! Happy birthday to my mother! Shout out to my mom for always being the best travel partner, happy hour friend, and best cook in the world. (Seriously miss your home cooking so much right about now)

Thank you for always teaching me to never settle on anything other than the best, for teaching me it is more important to get forgiveness than to get permission. Thank you for always taking my Saturday morning phone calls, and always helping me pack up for every single move I have had in the past decade (I think 47? haha)

Love you so much mom and I hope you had the best day ever! 

Ultimate Christmas Wish List

Hey what is up hello! As always, obviously I do not want all of this stuff. In fact I want zero stuff. I live in a 100 square foot box (I actually do not know the size just it is small), so I need and want nothing. That being said, obviously these post are fun. 

It is kind of like what if I won the lottery, what would I get. Obviously I would never accept a 4,000 dollar duffel bag! But it is so freaking cute, so here is my list.

Tweed// If I WAS home for the holidays I think tweed would be my outfit of choice this season. I think it is so cute and classic, I am honestly surprised it did not become popular sooner.

Duffel// I appreciate Louis vuitton, but I have never really wanted wanted anything from them. UNTIL their artist collection. 

Leather Leggings// This is not even lux, I just really want a pair.

Primer// I want a fancy primer, because I can not justify getting one because no one sees it, also the cheap ones work well too! haha

Makeup Brushes// This is not lux either, but I hate buying makeup brushes and I want a million and only need like 2!

Jcrew Stadium Jacket// I have wanted one of these for YEARS. And every year I am like "Oh I do not need it next season" Which this season I did nawt need one what so ever. But it is so cute and classic!

Gucci Belt// I would wear this once and feel like a try hard #CalledOut But I could always put it in blog layouts.

Over the Knee Boots// Almost all boots you can get away with lower priced options and no one would know the difference. Fancy over the knee boots just look sooo much better.

Channel Bag// I mean no explanation needed. 

Guy Gift Guide

I failed again! Okay so with the military ball I messed up on a day or two. (two). I was not going to go last minute, and then even more last minute I ended up going. Am I happy I went, eh. Am I disappointment I went, nah. BUT we are behind on blogmas!

SO Hey what is up hello! Why are guys the hardest to buy for? For the gals in my life, I can run into jcrew or ulta and be set. Then for the guys you think you get them something amazing, and they never use it! 

Like last year, my dad has never ask for anything ever, and he said he wanted bean boots. My siblings and I are like cool, this is great too easy. We get them for him, and he NEVER wear them. So, you win some you lose some. 

Anyways this is a gift guide good for any of the guys in your life. 

Gala Season

Hey what is up hello! It is gala season with the end of the year and the beginning of the year just around the corner there are a lot of big events going on this time of year. 

Which I had my big Christmas Ball and I took zero point zero photos. I am also extremely annoyed because I ordered a camera charger a month ago and I still have not gotten in (contacted the store) which is annoying because it is the one thing I bought that I actually need!

Anyways I love a good ball and here are some of my favorite picks for any black tie event.

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Weekend in Doha

Hey what is up hello! So as you may know I am living in Doha Qatar for the next couple of months. Which it is such an easy life here. I work 8 hours. All of my meals are cooked and cleaned for me. I get to bike around, and have three beers if I want. I am also allowed to go around the city whenever I want.

Which it take about 45 minutes check out and get into the city, so that is a little frustrating. I also am chronically tired, so I do not go off too often because it is a whole ordeal.

This was one of the most fun weekends to date.

Friday//

My team can not go into the city without me, and someone cancelled on them last minute to chaperone them, so I got conned into going;) I was already pretty tired, and I did not want to do that much so I suggested we just go to the Cheesecake Factory. I know I know, typical American, so we grabbed dinner and the crew wanted to walk around the mall. Which FYI a mall is a mall is a mall. Almost anything you can get in the USA you can get pretty much anywhere else in the world.

This mall was super pretty, and it kind of reminded me of Vegas.

Saturday// 

We went on what I like to call "operation sunshine". Which at this point I was soooo tired. We woke up early and walked around the down town market. Which is fun to see the more unique shops. I loved the horses walking around.

Then for breakfast we went to the cutest restaurant ever. It was super fancy looking, and had a ton of options. Which Doha is so funny, because like any place if you go to the tourist traps everything is so expensive. (Like 200 dollar dinner for one person expensive), but our breakfast came out to be about 15 dollars.

Which the food here no matter what is so good because everything is so fresh. I mean just look at the picture!

Then we went to what I believe is pearl island. Which there is a cute museum there and you can walk around and see the city. And of course we had to see the pearl island statue.

Then we were getting ready to leave and everyone is trying to sell you something everywhere. We were at the port and one of the boat drivers asked me if we wanted to go on a boat ride. At this point I was so tired and just said no without thinking.

The crew I was with wanted to go and it was the best 15 dollars I had ever spent. They took us on a 30 minute tour around the port. Which we got to see the skyline and the water was the prettiest blue color. Overall, it was a super fun day hanging out in Doha.

I'll take a glass of Red Wine, I mean nail polish

Hey what is up hello! The title is lame I get it. Also I love neutrals and red this season. 

I mean red for Christmas, ground breaking. BUT wine red is the best red. Also red wine is the best wine. I know little to nothing about wine. However, I do know that I like to drink it. I like trying new bottles from Trader Joes. 

Trader Joes has pretty cheap alcohol. (How do they do it?) I usually get anything for 7 dollars because baller on a budget. I do love menage a trois silk. 10/10 in my book. That being said here are my favorite nail colors for the season.

My Everyday Makeup

Hey what is up hello! I am kind of hash tag bored here. There is only so much running and building a website you can do in one day. I have started uping my makeup routine. Which there is still a lot to improve upon, but it is fun to spend a little bit of time every day playing around with new techniques. 

Primer// This is new to my makeup routine, and something simple to add that adds a lot. Primer really cements your makeup into place. 

Foundation// I am on the hunt for the perfect foundation currently. Well actually the perfect foundation primer setting spray combo. I was so surprised by wet n wild's foundation. 

Beauty Blender// This is also a game changer! I love brushes because it is so much faster, however the blender makes everything look so smooth!

Eyebrow pencil// I was using a brush mascara for the longest time, however I love how the pencil looks so much better. 

Eveshadow primer// One part I do not do concealer around my eyebrows, so this cleans up my brows. Second, this glues your eyeshadow into place. 

Concealer// I use this more to contour my face. This is a new step to the process, and I am still learning how to use this properly. 

Bronzer// I have also used this to contour (still learning how to use this), however if you use this along the hair line (learned this from lady gaga) the contour is perfect.

Blush// True life I am addicted to blush. I love to over dose on blush. I pretty much put this on the apples of my cheek and above the cheek bones to the ear. Can't stop won't stop. 

Laura Mercier Powder// Once everything is set in place, put this all over your face. Just a light dusting and this makes your skin looks amazing! 

Eyeshadow// I have no new tips for this, however it is my favorite part.

Eyeliner// You will notice I do not have eyeliner on here. I do not wear it anymore. It is mostly because it takes so much time and it never looks even.

Setting Spray// Again this helps glue literally everything in. Also do not put your highlighter on until AFTER this dries.

Mascara// While your setting spray dries time for mascara, this Tarte mascara works as great as a fiber mascara, HOWEVER! It has no fibers, so it is easy on the eyes. 

Highlighter// Wait until after the setting spray is in place and BAMB! This makes the highlighter glow from across the room!